Experts In Residence 05: Scalp Care Secrets for Summer with Dr. Pyal For Healthy Hair & Skin

Read time: 8 minutes

For the month of June, we’re thrilled to debut our insightful conversation with Medical Doctor, GP and Dermatologist, Dr. Pyal.

As an NHS doctor, Dr. Pyal took to social media at the start of lockdown to create a supportive space during a time of isolation and uncertainty, offering expert advice with warmth, humour, and heart. Since then, her platform has grown into a trusted hub where science meets real life, and no topic is off-limits.
Also known as @theblushingdoc, she covers everything from health and skincare to hair, nutrition, and daily wellbeing, busting myths and breaking down complex topics to help her audience feel healthier, bolder, and stronger in their everyday lives.

This month, Dr. Pyal is focusing the conversation on all things summer skin, scalp, and hair. While she shares her top tips for keeping your strands thriving in the heat, she’s also diving into how seasonal shifts affect your scalp and skin, from sun protection and hydration, to managing sweat and humidity-induced breakouts. With her signature clarity and compassion, she’s breaking down what really matters this summer; the myths to ignore, the supplements to consider, and the essentials your routine shouldn’t be without, especially when it comes to keeping your scalp balanced and cared for.

Get ready to take notes, because we’ve got your summer super natural beauty decoded below, straight from a doctor who truly gets how to Never Stop Growing.

1. We’ve all heard about how winter can wreak havoc on our hair, but how does summer weather affect hair health?

Summer brings its own set of challenges! UV exposure, salt water, chlorine, and even more hair washing from extra sweaty workouts, can dry out hair, fade colour, and cause breakage. I always say treat your hair like you do your skin: protect, nourish, and hydrate. A leave-in conditioner or hair serum with UV protection can work wonders.

2. What would you say are the biggest triggers in summer for skin and haircare issues, and how can we prevent them?

Heat, humidity, and increased oil production are big ones for the skin leading to breakouts and sun sensitivity! For hair, it’s the combo of sun, salt, and sweat. Keep it simple: SPF daily (yes, even on cloudy days), a gentle cleanser to keep skin balanced, and avoid heavy products that clog pores.

3. The humidity during summer can often cause unnecessary breakouts. Do you have any top tips for how to keep these under wraps?

Absolutely! I always say prevention is better than cure. Switch to a lighter, non-comedogenic moisturiser, cleanse twice a day (but no harsh scrubs), and incorporate ingredients like salicylic acid to keep pores clear. And keep a clean flannel or face cloth handy if you’re sweaty post-workout, it’s a small step that can make a big difference. But ideally, try not to sit in sweaty skin, wash it off to prevents rashes and breakouts.

4. Are there specific nutrients that we should incorporate into our diet to get that summer glow?

Yes, skin health definitely starts from within! Omega-3s (flaxseeds, walnuts, oily fish), Vitamin C and antioxidant-rich foods like berries, and beta-carotene from colourful fruits and veg all support skin repair and radiance. Hydration is key too, so up your water intake, especially when the temperatures rise

5. Myth or Truth: You don’t need sunscreen if you have a darker skin tone.

That’s a myth I’d love to retire! While melanin does offer some natural protection, it’s not enough. UV rays can still cause premature ageing, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer in darker skin tones. SPF is for everyone, every day, and yes, there are great formulas now that won’t leave a white cast.

6. What ingredients should we look for, or avoid, in our summer skin and haircare products?

Look for antioxidants like Vitamin C in your skincare to protect against environmental stressors, aswell as hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. In haircare, lightweight oils or serums with UV filters are great. Avoid heavy products that have the potential to block pores or harsh alcohols that can dry out the skin and scalp.

7. Research highlights the many benefits scalp massages can have for scalp health, which is why we created our specially designed UKHAIR Scalp Massager. But what do you think are the greatest benefits of using one? And how can we effortlessly fit it into our daily haircare routine?

Scalp massages boost blood flow, which may support healthier hair growth, and helps to gently lift build-up and distribute natural oils. I love using the UKHAIR Scalp Massager during shampooing, just a minute or two is all it takes. I really enjoy it because it turns a routine step into a moment of self-care.

8. What’s one beauty myth you wish everyone would stop believing?

That more is more. You don’t need a 12-step routine for healthy skin or hair. It’s about consistency, not complexity. I often remind people that a few targeted, high-quality products can do far more than a crowded shelf.

9. At UKLASH, we aim to cater to women of every age and every stage of life: If you could offer one piece of hair advice for each decade of a woman’s life from their 20s to their 80s, what would it be?

20s: Build good habits early, like protecting your skin and hair from heat and UV.
30s: Start focusing on scalp care, not just hair length.
40s: Hydration is key when your hormones may start to affect hair texture.
50s: Consider taking supplements and nourish from within.
60s: Embrace your natural hair if you feel you want to, but support it with moisture.
70s+: Gentle care is everything. Start considering soft brushes, silk pillowcases, and regular trims.

10. You’re stranded on a desert island - which beauty product are you taking with you and why?

SPF! always. It’s the one non-negotiable in my routine. Protection first, everything else follows. 

11. With sweat, sea, and sun in the mix, what’s the best way to layer our UKHAIR Hair Serum into a simple, summer-proof routine?

Apply it to damp hair after washing or a swim to lock in moisture and add a protective barrier. You can also use a tiny bit on dry ends between washes to tame frizz and boost shine. It’s a great multi-tasker!

12. Which UKLASH product would you consider a must-have on holiday?

The Hair Serum for post-sun smoothing, and the Lash Serum to keep lashes strong if you’re skipping mascara in the heat. Both give that low-maintenance, high-impact look I love on holidays.  I find holidays are a great time to up the skincare and haircare products!

13. Shopping for SPF can be so tricky with lots of unknown lingo, numbers and symbols - do you have any tips for things to look out for to get the best SPF?

• Look for “broad spectrum” (this means it protects against UVA and UVB rays)
• SPF 30 or higher
• Make sure it’s water-resistant if you’re swimming or sweating.
• Mineral formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great for sensitive skin and those with darker skin tones.
• Always check the expiry date if you’ve got one sitting in the cupboard!
  

14. As a Dermatologist, can you explain the differences between skin on your scalp vs. the rest of the body and how we should treat it differently? 

The scalp has more oil glands and hair follicles, so it’s prone to build-up and inflammation (think dandruff or folliculitis). It needs regular, gentle exfoliation and cleansing, just like your face, especially in summer when sweat and products can accumulate fast.

15. If you could de-influence one beauty product, what would it be and why? And what’s one product you’d wholeheartedly recommend?

De-influence: Pore strips. Yes they’re satisfying but they’re too harsh and often worsen irritation.
Recommend: A good SPF (again!). It’s not glamorous, but it’s the foundation of any good skincare routine.

16. What are the red flags to look out for when it comes to scalp conditions?

Persistent itch, flaking, redness, tenderness, or sudden hair thinning, don’t ignore these signs. It could be anything from seborrheic dermatitis to a form of alopecia, and early treatment makes a huge difference.

17.Summer season = wedding season. Do you have any go-to tips for getting your skin and hair wedding-ready, whether you’re the bride, maid of honour, or a guest?

Start early! Focus on hydration, gentle exfoliation, and a consistent routine at least 6–8 weeks ahead. No new actives like retinoids in the 4 weeks up to the wedding. For hair, deep condition weekly and avoid any drastic colour changes too close to the event. The goal is healthy, glowing skin and hair that feels like you, just a little more polished.

18. As you know, we offer an award-winning line-up of three Lash Serums, which is your favourite and why?

The Complex Peptide Lash Serum. It’s gentle but effective, and I love how it boosts natural lashes without the need for extensions or falsies. I’m one for slow consistent results and this gives exactly that!

19. We get a lot of great feedback from our Hydra-Gel Eye Patches, what would you say are the best benefits that come from regularly using under-eye patches?

They’re brilliant for hydration, soothing puffiness, and giving a quick ‘wake-up’ effect before events or travel. I keep mine in the fridge for a little spa moment at home, especially helpful after a long clinic day!

20. It's time for our quickfire round...

Lashes or Brows? Lashes
Natural Oils or Hair Serum? I do love natural oils but targeted serums give more targeted results
Moisturiser or Face Mask? Moisturiser, every time.
Air Dry or Blow Dry? Air dry if I’ve got the time (but I never sleep in wet hair!)
AM or PM Skincare Routine? PM — that’s when the real skin repair happens.